Hot, Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip {Low-fat & Low-Lactose}

The big joke around our house is that when my Dad was young, he was always the first one at the party and the last to leave. Like most jokes, the reason it’s so funny is because it’s so opposite of the Dad I’ve always known. But I’m certain that if there is a happy-party gene, I definitely got it from him. I love parties, no matter the kind. And what’s not to like? Food, drinks and friends are, for me, what makes life so enjoyable. Food being my most favorite part of the party (just don’t tell my friends this, please)!

Party food is fun food. It’s the kind of food that we all wish we could eat at every single meal without consequence. Typically high in fat but oh-so-tasty, it’s both fun both to make and fun to eat. Yet, because of this, I’m always finding that I’m limiting how much of it I allow myself to eat, being very careful not to overindulge. Which is why I wanted to remake my most popular (and my personal favorite) party food: Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

We all know about fat and calories and have some pretty good substitutes up our sleeves for swapping ingredients. But what if you’re also lactose-intolerant? I personally have several friends who are (and I have always suspected that I may also be slightly intolerant) and I really wanted a low-fat and low-lactose party dish that everyone could enjoy without hesitation.

You may be wondering why I’m using the term “low-lactose” and not “lactose-free”. What a lot of people don’t realize is that different people can handle different amounts of lactose. One person may not be able to tolerate any lactose while another can tolerate some lactose in their diet, they simply have to switch to foods that are lower in lactose than others. Low-fat cottage cheese has less lactose than whole-fat cottage cheese, for instance, making it a food that many lactose-intolerant folks could try without having to cut cottage cheese entirely from their diets. Low-fat and/or aged cheese is another food that is lower in lactose. Cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella are also good choices. Remember, they’re not completely lactose-free, but many people can try these foods and will digest them with little or no problems.

I’m excited that my recipe makeover came out as well as it did. It’s MUCH lower in fat and I wouldn’t feel guilty indulging in this at all. I actually prefer it to the original – it’s much creamier and I didn’t think that was possible! Here is the recipe and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. I’ll be making it for my next party for sure!

Place mixture into baking dish (I like to use an 8-inch cast iron skillet but any medium-sized baking dish will do). Place in oven and heat for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips and crackers.

More Lactose Intolerant-Friendly Recipes

Dig even deeper into delicious days that take dairy #BeyondLI with the collection of recipes linked below. Inspired by the healthfulness and tastiness of dairy foods naturally low in lactose, each of the following was designed in partnership with National Dairy Council. Enjoy the inspiration, then come to Dairy for the Lactose Intolerant: An #FNIchat #BeyondLI, for a Twitter exchange chock full of much, much more.

About Kristy Bernardo

On paper, I'm a chef, recipe developer and food & travel writer. In real life, I'm constantly obsessing over my love of food and new recipes and am on a lifelong quest for the perfect cocktail. I love good friends, margaritas and my beautiful daughters above all else (with blog readers coming in at a close second). I believe that hard work and grit always pay off and that a positive attitude will take you everywhere.

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Hi, I’m Kristy. Thanks for stopping by!

On paper, I'm a chef, recipe developer and food & travel writer. In real life, I'm constantly obsessing over my love of food and new recipes and am on a lifelong quest for the perfect cocktail. I love good friends, margaritas and my beautiful daughters above all else (with blog readers coming in at a close second). I believe that hard work and grit always pay off and that a positive attitude will take you everywhere.